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Maltese Dog Breed Introduction
Maltese is one of the ancient toy dog breeds that is generally associated with the island of Malta. It is considered a direct ancestor to Havanese, Bichon, and Bolognese breeds. This dog is also hypoallergenic and it is kept for competitive exhibition, companionship, and for ornament. This breed was ranked 59th of 79 breeds by Stanley Coren in the assessment of intelligence. A Maltese was also recognized as a breed in 1888 by the American Kennel Club(AKC).
History
Ancient writers attribute the origin of Maltese dogs to the Island of Malta in the Mediterranean or to the Adriatic island of Mljet. The uncertainty of the origin of this breed continues, although recent scholarship supports the identification with Malta.
Maltese dogs were also depicted during the Golden Age of ceramics and they were also mentioned by Aristotle as perfectly proportioned. The Aristocrats of the Roman Empire perfected the role of status symbol and fashion statement by Maltese. Following the fall of the Roman Empire, Chinese breeders kept the breed from extinction during the dark ages.
It is also believed that the Chinese affected crosses with their native toy breeds and exported a more refined Maltese to Europe. This breed was also a fixture of dog shows from the very beginning including the 1877 New York’s first Westminster show, which was exhibited as the Maltese Lion Dog.
However, Dog genomic experts state that despite the rich history of the ancient breed, the modern Maltese dog cannot be linked by pedigree to that ancient genealogy. Therefore, they suggest that this breed emerged during the Victorian Era by regulating the crossing of existing varieties of dog to produce a type that could be registered as distinct.
Maltese Lifespan
It is a small breed of dog that has a lifespan of 12-15 years. However, some Maltese dogs live into their late teens and early twenties. It was reported that the oldest breed of this dog had a lifespan of 20 years.
Lifespan Male
The lifespan of a male Maltese falls under the age bracket of 12-15 years with a median life expectancy of 13.5 years. However, how well your pet is taken care of determines its life expectancy.
Lifespan Female
A female Maltese is expected to live a year longer than their male counterparts hence it has a lifespan of 12-16 years with a median life expectancy of 14 years.
Maltese Grooming
A Maltese has a long white coat that should be brushed at least twice a week to avoid tangling and matting. Remove the mats gently starting from the end of the hair as you work your way to the skin before bathing your pet, as mats tend to get tighter when wet.
The long white coat is also maintained by the use of coat conditioning and regular baths at least once a week. To keep the long hair on the head from the corners of the eyes, pull it into a topknot or trim the hair short.
This breed is also susceptible to teeth problems as they grow older. Therefore, you should brush your pet regularly every time you brush the coat. Avoid using human toothpaste since it foams easily. While brushing the coat, check the skin for any allergies or parasites.
This breed has fast-growing nails that should be trimmed every two weeks. Overly grown nails make walking and running painful for your pooch. While grooming, check the ears to remove excess wax, hair, or accumulated debris. This dog breed also has tear stains that should be wiped at least twice a day using a damp wet cloth or an eye wash pad. It is also advisable to wipe the face of your pet after every meal. Get your dog accustomed to touch to prepare for a positive professional grooming experience.
Haircuts
Having a long-haired Maltese dog may be a high-maintenance and people opt for other haircuts or grooming styles. Some of the haircuts suitable for this breed include:
- Show cut | Standard Cut – This is a traditional show haircut where the hair should be long almost to the floor-length. This haircut also requires long hair on the face. Some owners prevent the hair on the face from getting into the eyes of the Maltese by pulling it into a single or double topknot. A show cut is high-maintenance since it requires regular grooming.
- Puppy Cut – it is considered a low-maintenance haircut because the hair is clipped about a quarter-inch to one inch across the tail, face, body, and ears.
- Teddy Bear Cut – This haircut aims at giving your pet a look similar to a teddy bear. Therefore, the pup’s hair is trimmed circular with the back side and back hair trimmed around a quarter-inch tall. However, leave the hair everywhere else longer generally around half an inch.
- Short Cut – The cut sounds basic although it requires a bit of know-how to pull this look. It is recommended for a dog owner to get help from a professional groomer.
- Bob Cut – This haircut resembles a human bob haircut and it is also referred to as The Maltese Bob. To achieve this hairstyle, most of the hair on the dog’s body is trimmed short but the hair on the tail and ears is left longer.
Shedding
This breed doesn’t shed and it is not easy to notice the hair of a Maltese dog lying on the floor, car seat, or even anywhere in the house. However, this breed also maintains the body temperature with changing seasons which is possible if the dogs shed and grow their hair back.
This means that Maltese may shed more during spring season or fall and you may notice the hair while brushing the coat. The shedding level also depends on the climate of the area. Warmer climates might make your pet shed more to maintain the body temperature while a dog living in a colder climate will tend to keep the hair.
Coat
This breed has a single coat that is glossy, silky, dense, shiny, and white in color. A Maltese dog lacks an undercoat and the hair falls heavily along the body without curls. However, some maltese dogs have pale ivory tinge coat that is also permitted.
Long Hair
An adult Maltese dog is able to grow long hair since it has a single-layer coat. This breed also has no fur, and the hair is able to grow long offering a wide range of different hairstyles. A pup has short hair that may curl at the tips. However, a large number of owners opt to have their adult dog wear a short-trimmed puppy cut hairstyle. Maltese dogs that participate in show rings should have long hair that is almost to the floor-length.
Maltese Hypoallergenic
They are considered nearly-hypoallergenic since they don’t shed or shed less as compared to other breeds of dogs. A Maltese dog lacks an undercoat and it is small in size hence it is likely to shed less dander. Apart from hair, dog’s saliva, urine, mucus, and dander also have a protein that causes allergic reaction in people who suffer from dog allergies. Maltese dogs are also considered good for people with dog allergies since they drool less.
However, experts argue that there is no dog breed that is totally hypoallergenic, and this term is precisely used for marketing. Furthermore, a person may only be allergic to a certain type of protein that is maybe produced by a male, female, or a certain breed of dog. Therefore, it is highly recommended that dog allergies sufferers to have a blood test in order to determine the specific protein that they are allergic to.
Maltese Training
A Maltese is a human-oriented dog that reacts positively to training. Using positive reinforcements such as praise, play, and food rewards is recommended rather than the use of harsh correction methods. They also learn quickly if they are rewarded for their efforts.
A Maltese should be socialized from the age of 8 to 12 weeks. Socialization is also important during training since it exposes your pet to other dogs, people, situations, sights, experiences, smell, and sounds such as lawn mowers, vacuum cleaners, sirens, washing machines, and whistles. Enrolling a Maltese in a Puppy obedience class also serve as a form of socialization. It also helps the owner to identify and correct bad habits.
Remember to keep the training sessions for utmost 10 minutes for effective training and also avoid boredom. A Maltese should also be taught obedient command words such as sit, leave it, come, and down. Teach one command word at a time until the pooch understands before proceeding to the next command word.
Training Tricks
For effective housebreaking, crate training, establishing a feeding guide, and potty training is recommended. Crate training is especially recommended for Maltese dogs since they suffer from separation anxiety when left alone for long hours. A crate will teach a Maltese to be alone and it will also keep it safe against harming itself while in the house. Remember to position a crate in a place where family activities are ongoing.
Make the device comfortable by lining it with a comfy blanket. A dog owner may create positive associations with the crate through the use of treats, toys, and praise. A crate should be a safe place where a Maltese retreats to. When you are home, always leave the crate door open. This makes the dog to understand that using a crate is not a forced experience rather than its own special refuge. Resist using a crate as a form of correcting behavior or punishment.
Potty Training
A dog owner may get a Maltese pup from the age of 8 to 12 weeks when the dog is still with the breeder. The bladder and bowel muscles of a pup strengthens as the puppy matures. A pup that is 8 weeks old is likely to hold for two hours before eliminating while a 12 week old pup may hold it for three hours.
Potty breaks should therefore be after every two to three hours, immediately the dog wakes up, 20 minutes after meals and drinks, before bedtime, and after naps. Before starting potty training, a Maltese owner should decide where they want the dog to eliminate indoors or outdoors especially for apartment dwellers who don’t have an easy access to a yard or street.
Dog litter boxes are available in the pet stores for indoor potty training. If a dog eliminates outside choose a specific spot that should not be near a BBQ or patio deck. Once your take your pooch outside in the designated area, remain there for at least 15 minutes to allow your Maltese to pee or poo. The 15 minutes allowance gives your pet time to relax the bowel and bladder muscles in order to eliminate.
Before your pet gets to the age of 16 weeks or rather 4 months, take it outside at least once per night. During the day, remember to watch your dog for signs such as sniffing, restless, whining, or circling. Once your pet eliminates in the designate area, give it a treat so that it may associate going outside with eliminating.
Barking
Like any other dogs, Maltese also bark especially when left alone for long hours. This is because they suffer from separation anxiety since they are companion dogs. Positive training helps to control the barking. This dog may also bark to release pent-up energy if exercise deprived.
Barking Collar
Some dog owners opt to use barking collars such as Citronella spray bark collars to control the barking of their dogs. However, others consider the use of bark collars cruel since they inflict pain or discomfort to stop the barking. Bark collars also don’t address the reason behind the barking. Proper training of Quiet command is recommended to regulate the barking.
Maltese Temperament
- Easygoing.
- Fearless.
- Responsive.
- Affectionate.
- Intelligent.
- Docile.
- Playful.
- Lively.
- Active.
- Gentle.
- Trusting.
Bite Force
A puppy of this breed tends to bite when they are teething. However, an Adult dog of this breed may bite if it feels threatened, anxious, nervous or when approached by strangers. This breed has a bite force of less than 200 PSI.
Aggressive
Maltese dogs are non-aggressive. However, they may exhibit aggressive traits especially when they were bred and socialized poorly.
Biting
A Maltese puppy is more likely to bite or nip when teething and exploring the texture of the people and things that are surrounding it. Biting may seem adorable but not for long when a Maltese matures to have serious biting issues. Owners are urged to curb biting before it develops into a habit through redirection and bite inhibition training. Redirection works especially during teething. Instead of the puppy biting the feet and hands of the owner due to discomfort redirect it to teething toys.
Height
A Male Maltese has a height of 8 to 10 inches ( approx. 21 to 25 cm) while the female counterpart has a height of 8 to 9 inches ( approx. 20 to 23 cm ).
Weight
The weight of a full-grown Maltese is 7 to 9 pounds ( approx. 3.2 to 4.1kg). However, a male adult may have a weight of 3 to 8 pounds ( approx. 1.36 to 3.63 kg ) while a female counterpart of this dog has a weight of between 2 to 7 pounds( approx. 0.91 to 3.18 kg). According to AKC, a Maltese has a weight of under 7 pounds ( approx. 3.2 kg).
Exercise
According to the breeds club of great Britain, Maltese dogs need up to 30 minutes of exercise a day. Daily walks, indoor games, and bouncing around a fenced yard will keep them fit. It is also recommended to wait until your pup is eight months old before engaging him in long walks since the bones are still developing.
Maltese Allergies
Maltese dogs are susceptible to skin, food, inhalant, contact, epidermal, and environmental allergens that cause the various forms of allergies.
Some of the allergies that affect Maltese include:
Skin Allergies – This dog may suffer from skin allergies that are either caused by food, epidermal, environmental, and inhalant allergens. Atopic dermatitis also causes skin allergy.
Food allergies – Maltese dogs also suffer from food allergies which cause atopic dermatitis. Though rare, a true food allergy results in an immune response that has a wide range of symptoms including skin conditions symptoms and gastrointestinal signs.
Environmental allergies – Some of the environmental allergens that cause inflammation in Maltese include house molds, ragweed, dust and dust mites, pollen, fleas, mites, mosquitoes, and grass. Flea allergy dermatitis causes itchiness and intensive scratching due to the flea’s saliva. It is likely to cause yeast and bacterial infections since a Maltese will scratch the skin surrounding the bite until it is raw. Some of the symptoms of environmental allergies include itchiness, a runny nose, swollen eyes, and scratching of various body parts including paws, face, ears, around the eyes, muzzle, groin, armpits, and belly sides. Use of modern flea medicine at least once a month will help to control the fleas. Wiping the coat of a Maltese after an outdoor activity when it returns to the house using a damp cloth will help in relieving symptoms of environmental allergies.
Contact allergies – Inflammation occurs when the coat of a Maltese comes in contact with the allergen. Some of the contact allergens that causes allergic reaction in Maltese dogs include plastics, carpet cleaning detergents, grooming products such as shampoos, medications, latex, bed linens, and lawn chemicals. Symptoms of contact inflammation include licking, biting, scratching, and itchiness which may result to secondary infections due to open wounds that result from excessive biting and licking.
Inhalant allergies – some of the inhalant allergies include pollen, weeds, dander, perfumes, and cigarette smoke.
Maltese Allergies Symptoms
A Maltese that is suffering from skin, environmental, or food allergies may exhibit the following signs:
- Itchy ears.
- Watery ears.
- Chewing at itchy areas including the paws.
- Rubbing the face.
- Redness on the skin.
- Sores on the mouth or paws.
- Sneezing.
- Chronic ear infections.
- Swelling of the earflaps, face, ears, lips, or eyelids.
- Vomiting.
- Diarrhea.
- Constant licking.
- Dry flaky skin.
Maltese Food Allergies
A dog that is also prone to environmental allergies has a high probability of suffering from food allergies. A Maltese may suffer from food allergies or food intolerance. However, the latter is far more common. A dog that is suffering from a true food allergy is likely to experience a wide range of symptoms including gastrointestinal stress ( vomiting and/or diarrhea) and skin symptoms conditions such as facial swelling, hives, dermatitis, pruritus, and crusting lesions.
Food intolerance in Maltese don’t cause an immune response but instead occur due to the gradual response to an offending ingredient in the food such as beef, dairy, pork, turkey, lamb, chicken, soy, corn, eggs, milk, wheat, etc. Some of the common symptoms of food sensitivities(intolerance) is poor skin and coat, foot infections, chronic ear infections, itchiness, loss of appetite, diarrhea, and vomiting. A dog suffering from food allergies is also prone to gastrointestinal issues along with skin allergies.
A Maltese owner is therefore, advised to work along with the vet to control the symptoms and find the offending ingredient that is resulting in food allergies and intolerance.
Skin Allergies
Skin allergies may be a manifestation of food allergies in dogs. Some of the causes of skin allergies in Maltese dogs include fleas, cockroaches, mosquitoes, dust, inhalant allergens, and molds. Skin allergies as a result of food allergens may manifest on the skin as open sores, skin lesions, and oily skin.
Epidermal allergies also cause skin inflammation because the immune system reacts to something that is normally harmless. The immune reaction affects the skin by causing swelling, rash, redness, bumps, burning, hives, and itchiness.
The common locations of skin allergies in this breed include the stomach, paws, legs, nose, face, muzzle, ears, and sides. Failure to seek medication for skin allergies may become secondary bacterial or yeast infections.
Maltese Health Issues
It is a generally healthy breed with a few health issues. Getting a puppy from a responsible breeder who screens their stock for health conditions such as heart anomalies and the luxating patella is highly recommended.
As a health concern, Maltese puppies should be bile-acid tested to rule out the possibility of suffering from congenital liver issues such as microvascular dysplasia and liver shunt.
Some of the health issues that this breed may suffer from include encephalitis, teeth problems, collapsed trachea, Progressive Retinal Atrophy, ear infection, Hypoglycemia, White Dog Shaker Syndrome, Hydrocephalus, etc.
Maltese Seizures
Maltese dogs are prone to seizures, the disturbance of the normal functioning of the brain that is usually accompanied by uncontrollable muscle activity. This is because they are prone to low blood sugar due to hypoglycemia. This condition occurs when the body is not able to break down glycogen into glucose that is used as fuel by body tissues and brain.
A Maltese is also predisposed to three types of seizures, primary, secondary, and reactive seizures. Primary seizures are also common in this breed although the cause is unknown. For this reason, they are referred to as idiopathic seizures which is a hereditary condition. Secondary seizures are due to trauma, stroke, and brain tumor. Reactive seizures occur to the reaction of the brain to a metabolic problem including organ failure, toxins, and low blood sugar (hypoglycemia).
A seizure may last for a period of 1 to 3 minutes. During this period, dog owners are advised against putting something in the mouth of the dog since it may be dangerous to them and their pets. Some of the common symptoms of seizures include foaming mouth, disorientation, urination or defecation, staring, hiding after an episode, stiffening of the muscle, and loss of consciousness.
Eye Infection
Eye infections in dogs may either be caused by a virus or bacteria. However, bacterial eye infection is far more common. This is because after trauma to the eye, viruses, and dry eye diseases, a bacteria gets an opportunity of invading the eye since the local defenses of the eye have been compromised.
Most bacterial eye infections are due to injury or scratch to the cornea. This infection is also caused by invasion of foreign materials such as fur, hair, dust, plant material, and debris into the eye. Maltese dog with an eye infection exhibits various symptoms including a clear or thick yellowish-green discharge from the eyes, frequent blinking of the eyes, swelling of the eyelids, pawing at the eye, and redness. A thick yellowish discharge is due to bacterial eye infection while a clear discharge is due to viral eye infection.
A dog suffering from an eye infection will have multiple signs manifesting at once because the eye has been infected with bacteria and the immune system reacts with inflammation which will appear as redness, discharge, or swelling.
Dogs with trauma, dry eye, or corneal ulcer may look like they have an eye infection. Visiting the vet is recommended to determine what your dog is ailing from. A home remedy for a pet with an eye infection is to flush the eye using non-medicated sterile saline rinses.
Eye Problems
Apart from eye infection some of the other eye problems that your Maltese dog may suffer from include:
Dry eye syndrome – This is an eye problem that reduces the amount of fluid produced by the tear glands to the extend that they are no longer able to keep the eyes moist.
Cataracts – A Maltese that has cataracts will have cloudy and whitish pupils that affects its vision. If left untreated cataracts cause blindness.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy – is a group of inherited degenerative diseases that affects the photoreceptors cells of a Maltese eventually leading to blindness.
Glaucoma is an eye condition that causes insufficient drainage of the fluid from the eye hence putting pressure on the optic nerve. Symptoms include bluing of the cornea, squinting, redness in the whites of the eyes, and watery eyes.
Distichiasis is an eye condition that affects Maltese dogs. It causes rubbing on the surface of the eye due to extra hairs that grow inside the eyelid. If left untreated, the abnormal hair may lead to corneal ulcers and chronic eye pain.
Eye Boogers
Eye boogers are also referred to as eye discharge or eye gunk in dogs. A normal eye discharge in Maltese is whitish grey or clear with a water consistency. Some of the common types of eye boogers may include thick yellowish discharge which may be caused by a bacterial infection, a mucus-like discharge which may be a result of a dry eye syndrome, or a clear discharge that may be caused by eye infections or allergies.
To remove eye boogers from your pet’s eyes, use a clean cloth that is soaked in warm water and hold it over your dog’s eyes for about 30 seconds. The eye boogers will soften allowing you to gently wipe them off around your pet’s eyes.
Maltese Ear Infection
A Maltese has naturally floppy ears that cover the ear canal creating a warm and humid environment for bacteria to thrive. Common cause of ear infections in Maltese dogs include Malassezia dermatitis caused by yeast which infects the ears leading to waxy discharge or redness. Other causes of ear inflammation in this breed may also include moisture accumulation from swimming, allergies, yeast imbalances, excess wax, dirt, or debris, endocrine disorders such as hypothyroidism, ear mites, excessive cleaning, injury to the ear canal, and overgrown hair in the ear canal that inhibits air flow and traps moisture.
A Maltese is predisposed to three types of ear infections; externa, media, and interna otitis respectively. Externa otitis is far more common and results in inflammation to the cells located in the ear canal. Failure to treat externa otitis leads to infection in the middle(media) and inner ear canal(interna). If the former and the latter are left unattended, they may lead to vestibular signs, facial paralysis, and deafness.
Common symptoms exhibited by a Maltese that is suffering from an ear infection includes head shaking, odor, redness, thick discharge, pain, crusting in the ears, swelling of the ear canals, and itchiness in the affected ear. If a Maltese owner notices these signs, he or she should book an appointment with the vet. Once they get to the health center, a physical examination will be carried out. A swab from the affected ear will also be taken. If the dog is in too much pain, it will be sedated to facilitate the cleaning of the affected ear using an ear cleanser and cotton balls.
Ear Problems
Not only does a Maltese suffer from ear infections but also Malassezia dermatitis, ear mites, ticks, and fleas.
Maltese Names
Once a Maltese owner gets a pup from a responsible breeder, the most important exercise that he or she engages in, is getting a name for the pet. Names of Maltese dogs may be inspired by origin, characteristics, food, pop culture, movies, songs, books, and celebrities.
Regardless of the name that you will settle with, remember to give a name that freely rolls off your tongue without causing embarrassment especially when in pubic parks and malls where dogs are allowed. Names that possess vowels are easy for dogs to understand.
Giving your Maltese a name that rhymes with command words may result in confusion. Never give your pet a name that is also used by other family members or people who frequent your home to avoid confusion.
Names For Female
- Lola.
- Daisy.
- Luna.
- Lily.
- Bella.
- Sophie.
- Lily.
- Chloe.
- Gracie.
- Stella.
- Rosie.
- Princess, etc.
Names Boy
- Simba.
- Max.
- Milo.
- Buddy.
- Rocky.
- Bruno.
- Duke.
- Sammy.
- Romeo.
- Chase.
- Jackson, etc.
Maltese Colors
The common color of Maltese is pure white with a dense, silky, glossy, and shiny single coat. However, a pale ivory tinge color is also accepted in this breed.
Hair Loss
A Maltese is a minimal shedder and hair loss in this breed may be as a result of:
Allergic inflammation – A Maltese is affected by various forms of allergies including Contact, inhalant, skin, food, and environmental allergies. Allergies cause excessive licking, biting, scratching, itchiness and irritation. Licking and biting causes hair loss, secondary infections, and sores.
Alopecia also causes moderate to severe hair loss in Maltese dogs. Affected areas may have very thin hair or it may completely fall out causing baldness.
Stress – Maltese dogs are human-oriented pets that suffer from separation anxiety if left alone for long hours. This causes anxiety, stress, and restlessness. As a way of relieving some of this tension, a Maltese may excessively lick the hair on the paws which causes lick granuloma, a condition that causes hair loss in the excessively licked body parts.
Mange – A Maltese is affected by mange that leads to sores, hair loss, and scrabs caused by mites. These insects causes rubbing, licking, itching, and scratching of the affected body parts.
Hypothyroidism – If a Maltese dog has hypothyroidism, the thyroid gland inadequately produces thyroxine hormone that assists in controlling metabolism. Therefore, there is thinning of the coat and the hair falls out easily usually on the tail, back of legs, neck area, and the sides of the body.
Hormones – During the heat cycle, a female Maltese experiences change in hormones especially increased estrogen levels that result in thinning of the coat.
Some of the other breeds of dogs include:
Pug.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.
Heat Cycle
A Maltese experiences a heat cycle when the body is preparing for possible mating and pregnancy. This breed experiences the first heat cycle between the age of 4 to 8 months. However, most Malteses dogs have their first heat cycle at the age of 6 months. The heat cycle lasts between 2 to 3 weeks. The heat season may recur two to three times a year after every 5 to 8 months. Female dogs don’t experience menopause and may get pregnant even in their teens.
The common symptoms that Maltese dogs exhibit while on heat include a bloody discharge, tail flagging, nesting behaviors, swollen vulva, increased urination, mood swings, and behavior changes. A female Maltese becomes receptive to the male later in the cycle between day seven to day ten. Before mating your female, ensure that your pet and the stud undergo genetic testing to look if they have any underlying genetic health issues.
It is highly recommended to mate a female Maltese after it attains the age of 2 years. This will give the genetically linked faults the time to experience themselves. If a dog owner has an intact female with no intention of breeding, they should keep it from male dog breeds of all kinds during the heat season. A male dog is aware that a dog is on heat within a radius of 3 miles.
Litter Size
A Maltese dog has a gestation period of about 58 to 65 days approximately two months. During birth, the dam may deliver at least two to five puppies. However, the litter size may even have one puppy or even six puppies.
Maltese Dog Food
It is good to feed your Maltese dog with high-quality dog food recommended for small breed dogs. While feeding your pet, avoid foods lacking whole protein at the beginning of the ingredient list. This is because even though dogs are omnivores they require a serious need for protein which is best provided in the form of a whole protein.
Some of the dog foods recommended for this breed include Wellness Core Grain-Free Small Breed, Blue Buffalo’s Small Breed Life Protection, Merrick Lil’ Plates Small Breed, Halo Natural Chicken & Liver for Small Breeds, etc.
Feeding Guide
An adult Maltese should feed twice a day with a daily amount of food of about 1/4 cup to 1/2 cup. Keep your dog fit by not leaving food out all day and giving your pet the required quantity and quality. A puppy should feed at least three times a day. The amount of food to feed your pup will depend on the instructions on the bag of dog food. If the bag says feed one cup of puppy food twice a day, you may feed the puppy four times a day a 1/4 cup.
Tail
This breed has a naturally long tail that is held over the back with a graceful curve. A show Maltese should have the tip of the tail lying to the side of the hind quarter.
Teeth
An adult Maltese has 42 sets of adult teeth and a pup has 28 milk teeth. This breed is also prone to teeth problems. Regularly brush the teeth at least thrice a week using toothpaste that is specifically formulated for dogs. Some of the teeth problems that this breed endures are early tooth loss, tartar, and gingivitis. If teeth problems in this breed persist for long, they may affect other parts of the body including the liver, kidney, and heart.
Teeth Falling Out
Teeth falling out is a norm in puppies as they lose their milk teeth. However, if this happens to senior dogs, it may be a sign of dental diseases such as periodontal disease that leads to tooth decay and eventually losing the teeth.
Eye Color
The most common eye colors in Maltese dogs are dark in coloration which may either be dark brown or black. However, though rare some may have blue-colored eyes.
Eye Stains
It has a white coat which makes tear stains more noticeable. Eye stains in Maltese may be a result of eye infection, glaucoma, small or blocked tear ducts, entropion, or unusually large tear glands. Daily wiping of the eyes at least twice a day using a clean damp cloth will go along way in keeping the tear stains at bay. However, if tear stains persist it is time to pay your vet a visit.
Harness
This breed is susceptible to trachea collapse. A dog collar rests on the neck where the trachea is also located. Therefore, a harness is preferred while walking your Maltese on the leash as the pressure is distributed across the back, shoulders, and chest. A dog owner may use both a harness and a collar. A collar may only be used for attaching an ID tag while the leash will be attached on the harness.
Collar Size
A collar rests around the neck of a Maltese hence the collar size is equivalent to the neck size. The collar size | neck size of a Maltese is 10 to 14 inches ( approx. 25 to 36 cm).
Muzzle
A Maltese is a good watchdog that alerts owners when someone or an animal is approaching. However, they they are not aggressive. A Maltese dog owner is recommended to muzzle the pooch in a situation when he or she is not sure how the dog will react to a new environment. A muzzle should be used on a dog that is in pain since it is most likely to bite. Dog owners are encouraged to create positive associations with the muzzle through use of treats, praise, and toys.
Nose
It naturally has a black nose which turns pink if your pet is not getting enough sunlight. A female Maltese may also have a pink nose while on heat.
Types
There is only one type of pure breed Maltese. However, there are several mixes of this dog with other breeds including Crested Malt, Ratese, Malchi, Cavamalt, Malton, Cairmal, Malteagle, etc.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Why Is My Maltese Shedding
Even though these dogs are non-shedders or light shedders some may shed the hair due to Alopecia or allergic inflammation.
where are Maltese dogs from
Ancient writers attribute the origin of Maltese dogs to the Adriatic island of Mljet or the island of Malta in the Mediterranean. Though the uncertainty continues, recent scholars support that the origin of this breed is Malta in the Mediterranean basin.
are maltese hypoallergenic
Yes, they are light shedders or non-shedders making them good for people who suffer from allergies caused by dog fur. They also drool less making them hypoallergenic.
Maltese Quick Facts
- They are prone to teeth problems and regular brushing at least thrice a week is recommended.
- They are fearless and approach strangers and other dogs.
- This breed was ranked 59th out of 79 breeds by Stanley Coren following an intelligence assessment.
